Donald Louis “Don” Hayes

Pickens — Donald Louis “Don” Hunter, 64, husband of Renee Hunter, passed from this life Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at his home.

Mr. Hunter was born in Elizabeth, N.J., to the late Norman Hunter III and the late Helen Horin Hunter. He retired from traveling all over the world as a pipe welder and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include his wife Renee of the home; his son, Michael Kelly Hunter of Asheville, N.C.; and two brothers, Norman Hunter of Easley and Terry Hunter of Crawford, N.J.

A memorial service will be held at later date at Griffin Baptist Church, 1629 Pumpkintown Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 300 Chamberlain, SD 57325 www.stjo.org.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Chuck Hayes

Easley — Charles G. “Chuck” Hayes, 69, husband of Ethel Fant Hayes, passed from this life on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital.

Chuck was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Odie and Bertie Simmons Hayes. He was retired from Benson Ford in Easley, where he was a mechanic and later dealer auto transfer. He was a member of Graceway Baptist Church in Easley and a U.S. Army veteran during the Vietnam War. Chuck loved his family, playing golf, fishing and shooting pool.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Ethel Hayes of the home son, Phillip Hayes of the home, and daughter, Unna Lockaby of Easley. Also surviving are brothers, C. B. Hayes, and Furman “Gabby” Hayes, both of Pickens, and his sister, Irene Kelley, also of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by twin grandchildren, Jonathan Patrick and Jessica Mae Hayes; and two brothers, Bertran Hayes and Fred Hayes.

Services were held Jan. 14 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Dr. Taze Leonard Senn

Clemson — Dr. Taze Leonard “Tee” Senn, 98, of 201 Strawberry Lane died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016.

Tell the people that you saw him passing through.

Born in Newberry, Dr. Senn was a son of the late George Walter and Rebecca Reeder Senn.

Tee graduated from Clemson College in 1939 and earned his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. He also proudly served in the Corps of Cadets at Clemson and in the U.S. Navy in World War II.

He was a long-time member of Clemson United Methodist Church.

At Clemson University, Dr. Senn was a professor of horticulture and was also named chair of the Department of Horticulture. He was a mentor to his students, who not only taught his students academics but also taught them that “no matter what you do, you have to be happy.”

Dr. Senn received the Danforth Teaching Fellowship, the only South Carolinian in agriculture to ever receive this award. Among the many awards Dr. Senn received over the years regarding both his academic and agriculture careers, the Thomas Green Clemson Medallion was bestowed upon him, the highest award given by Clemson University.

Many have stated that it was a privilege to know and work with Dr. Senn. He was an inspirational colleague and friend at home and abroad. His words and actions kept his students, colleagues and friends focused on whatever matter was at hand.

Following his academic career, Nature’s NOG was created and refined by Dr. Senn, a well-known scientist, researcher, educator and horticulturist. After 40 years of research and hundreds of lab and field tests, Dr. Senn researched the positive impact certain seaweed extracts and hamates can have on plant growth.

Dr. Senn was instrumental and invaluable with the conception, establishment and implementation of the Class of 1939 Award for Faculty Excellence at Clemson University. This award is presented annually to one distinguished member of the faculty whose outstanding contributions have been judged by her/his peers to represent the highest achievement of service to the student body, university and community, state or nation. The recipient also becomes an honorary member of the class; therefore, the great Class of 1939 will live forever because of the foresight of the original members of the class with this award. Guided by Tee Senn, Jim Sweeney and others, the great Class of ’39 had and continues to have an uncommon devotion to Clemson University proven by the many scholarships bestowed to students over the years.

An innovative concept of Dr. Senn’s, also its founder, was the South Carolina Botanical Garden located on the Clemson campus, of which the original 44 acres are dedicated in his honor. His talents and tenacity as an administrator, educator and innovator went beyond formal plan collections to create a progressive public garden. The Horticultural Gardens integrate nature, recreation and therapeutic resources with preservation, conservation teaching and research.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Connor Senn of the home; son, David L. (Virginia) Senn of Central; stepdaughter, Pamela Y. (Rick) Polhemus of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, Shane (Sarah) Senn, Richard A. (Ann) Senn, Jr. and Rusty (Kimball) Senn; step-grandchildren, Stephanie L Polhemus and Jason C. Polhemus; great-grandchildren, Emma Y. Senn, Trevor D. Senn, C.J. Senn, Gabe Senn and Axton Senn; and daughters-in-law, Cleve Ann Senn of Clemson and Sonya Senn of Six Mile.

In addition to his parents, Dr. Senn was predeceased by his first wife and partner, Marguerite Busby Senn; and two sons, Richard A. “Dickie” Senn and Thomas L. “Tommy” Senn.

Funeral services were held Jan. 16 at Clemson United Methodist Church, with burial following in Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University, which he loved so much. Memorials may be made to the South Carolina State Botanical Gardens, 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29631.

In the spirit of a true ‘39er, let’s all make a toast to honor Tee Senn: a great friend, a great ‘39er, a great man, a great American, and most of all, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett – Robinson Funeral Home, Central.

Harold B. Holden

Easley — Harold Bennett Holden, 70, of 101 Wallace Drive, died Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Cateechee, he was the son of the late Timmon and Geneva Merck Holden. He was previously a member of Faith Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Tonia Holden of Easley, Heather Holden of Liberty and Jennifer Young of Kileen, Texas; three sons, Lonnie Bennett Holden of Liberty, Joshua Holden of Salem and Corey Bradley of Anderson; a brother, Johnny Merck of Pickens; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Holden.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Holden were held Jan. 18 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Westview Cemetery.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com.

Rocky D. Cater

Pickens — Rocky Darrell Cater, 61, husband of Glenda Hardin Cater, passed from this life on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Rocky was born in Pickens County, a son of the late A. C. and Hattie Medlin Cater. He was retired as a brick mason and was of the Baptist faith.

Rocky loved all things sports, including golf, Gamecock football, horseshoes and anything else competitive. He was a star football player at Pickens High School, where he won “Player of the Year” in 1973. Following high school, he went to Mars Hill College on a football scholarship, where he played for two years.

Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Glenda Cater of the home; daughter, Kellie “Benes” Reeves (Travis Ballard) of Pickens; grandchildren, Paylin and Veda Ballard. Also surviving are twin sisters, Brenda Eisenman of Simpsonville and Linda Mangum (Bob) of Powdersville; and brothers, Jimmy Cater (Kathy) of Marietta, and Roger Cater (Margaret) of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, Rocky was preceded in death by a niece, Mandy Mangum, and a nephew, Tyler Mangum.

Funeral services were held Jan. 19 in the funeral home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickens High School Athletic Department, 150 Blue Flame Drive, Pickens, SC 29671.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

MARKUS BATES

PICKENS — Markus Bates, 45, of Pickens, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016.

He is survived by his children, Joseph Bates and Christy Anthony; his siblings, Frinda Hill and Opal Bates; his parents, Larry Bates and Faye Cassell; and one grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lester Thornton Bates and Flonnie Mae Bates; and his maternal grandparents, Rev. Vessie Hoxit and Ollie Mae Hoxit.

Funeral services were held Jan. 19 at Rocky Bottom Baptist Church in Pickens, with interment following in the Rocky Bottom Baptist Church Cemetery.

Joe Earl Murphree

Pickens — Joseph Earl Murphree, 73, husband of Paulette Burns Murphree, went to be with our Lord on Friday, Jan. 15, 2016, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Joe was born in Pickens County, son of the late N. Earl and Bernice Stewart Murphree. He was an interior designer and was former head of interior design for Harper Brothers in Greenville, and later he was self-employed, installing draperies. A farmer at heart, Joe loved to work with his cattle and to garden. He attended Clemson University and Cecil’s Business College and he served with the U.S. Army as a reservist.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Paulette, of the home; sons, Joe E. Murphree, Jr. (Darleen) of Greenville, and Keith McCurley of Pickens; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Kannie Murphree Wallis.

Funeral services were held Jan. 18 in the Dillard Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Joyce James

Liberty — Joyce Elaine Osteen James, 75, of 1163 Stewart Gin Road, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, at her residence.

Born in Altamont, Ill., she was a daughter of the late Otha and Jennie Alwerdt Osteen.

She retired from Sunex Tools in Travelers Rest. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, sewing, cooking for family occasions and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She especially loved Christmas and collecting special ornaments.

Surviving are her husband, Phillip R. James of the home; a daughter, Cindy Turner (Bryan) of Easley; two sons, Mark James (Vikki) of Greenville, and Tim James (Heather) of Greer; a brother, Buddy Osteen (Judi) of Altamont, Ill.; four grandchildren, Katie, David, and Matthew James, and Allie Turner; also surviving are several cherished nieces and nephews.

Services and burial will take place at a later date in Altamont, Ill., conducted by the Gieseking Funeral Home, 208 N. 2nd Street, Altamont, Ill.

Liberty Mortuary is handling local arrangements.

Nina Elizabeth Durham Sims

Pickens — Nina Elizabeth Durham Sims, 86, wife of the late Donald Ernest Sims Sr., went to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Sims was born in Liberty and was the daughter of the late George “Guy “Durham and Nora Turner Durham.

Mrs. Sims enjoyed quilting, preparing meals for her family and meeting with her Bible study class at the YMCA. She was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Survivors include two sons, Steve Beasley (Sheila) of Easley and Donald E. Sims Jr. (Tracey) of Pickens; two daughters, Sandy Beck (Jerry) of Easley and Janice Pappas (Bill) of Charleston; seven grandchildren, Kim Anthony, Cynthia Pate, Melissa Flynn, Nicole Alford, Jessica Beasley and John Sims; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ralph Durham; and one sister, Ruth Davis.

Funeral services were held Jan. 19 in the Dillard Funeral Home Chapel.

Services were officiated by the Rev. Jamie Duncan, the Rev. Roger Gwinn and Mr. Rick Grant, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. Mrs. Sims was predeceased by her husband, parents, two sisters and four brothers.

The family requests memorials to be made to Pickens Senior Center, 129 Schoolhouse Road, Pickens, SC 29671, or Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 184, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Sims family.

The Rev. Graham Gillespie

Six Mile — The Rev. Graham C. Gillespie, 73, of 4 Sleepy Hollow Lane, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016.

Born in Central, he was a son of the late Jimmy Dart and Lois Gillespie.

He retired from Poinsett Construction Company and was a member of Mile Creek Baptist Church. He loved to preach and spend his free time fishing.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce Henderson Gillespie of the home; a daughter, Kristal Doherty (Thomas) of Pickens; a son, Scott Gillespie (Cynthia) of Liberty; two sisters, JoAnn Gillespie and Marilyn Gillespie, both of Central; a brother, Jimmy Gillespie of Liberty; six grandchildren, Tommy, Ryan, and Erin Doherty, and Katelyn, Avery, and Jaylie Gillespie; and his mother-in-law, Gertrude Henderson Nix of Easley.

Funeral services to honor the life of Rev. Gillespie will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The family will be at the home. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Nancy G. Atkinson

Easley — Nancy Godfrey Atkinson, 68, of West Arial Street, wife of the late Larry Eugene Atkinson, passed away Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016.

Born in Greenville County, she was the daughter of Frances Alexander Anderson of Easley and the late Harold Godfrey.

Mrs. Atkinson was retired from Mayfair Mills in Easley.

Surviving are her children, Robby Atkinson of Easley and Jenny McCall (Donald) of Pendleton; seven grandchildren, Nicole Pressley, Cody Hollingsworth, Abby Atkinson, Claire Atkinson, Ian Richardson, Kristen Richardson and Savannah McCall; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Elaine Atkinson (Wayne) of Easley.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted. The family will be at their respective homes.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.